Geese Force Jets to Land

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: March 13, 2010

ROCHESTER (AP) -- Bird strikes forced emergency landings by two passenger jets shortly after takeoff on consecutive days at Northeastern airports, aviation officials said this week.

Officials say a US Airways jet hit several Canada geese and reported engine problems shortly after takeoff on Thursday morning from Greater Rochester International Airport in New York. The Airbus carrying 124 passengers and a crew of 5 turned back and landed safety at 8:30 a.m.

The jet had been headed to Charlotte, N.C.

On Wednesday night, a Continental Airlines jet with 301 people aboard also hit Canada geese as it took off from Newark Liberty International Airport.

The Boeing 777 was headed to Hong Kong when it collided with the birds shortly after takeoff at around 6:30 p.m. It landed safely in Newark.